I am sad to report that Ron Currie Sr, father of the talented writer Ron Currie Jr, author of God is Dead, has passed away. I had the chance to spend time with Ron Sr several times over the past year, including on the day his son's book launched in Boston with book readings, interviews, and a party. Touching to witness the father, knowing he was dying, absorbing the triumph of the son in a field where few do. Today, Maine's Morning Sentinel carries his obit, "Agent Orange claims life of veteran." Here, with permission, is Ron Jr's obit, which he posted to Zoetrope, the writer's site, under the simple title, Grief.
Many of you already know, but I wanted to let everyone know that my father died yesterday evening at 9:45. He was comfortable and we were with him right until the very end. Below is the obituary I wrote today. Thanks very much to everyone who has sent cards over the past week; it means more than you know.
Ronald Frederick Currie, Sr. died at his Vassalboro home on the evening of Thursday, December 6, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He passed peacefully with his family at his side.
Ron was born in Waterville on May 15, 1950, the first child of Fred and Rita Currie. He attended Waterville Schools, as well as Mother of Our Lord Seminary in upstate New York, and graduated from Waterville Senior High School in 1968. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving two tours of duty in Vietnam as a Boxswains Mate aboard the patrol gunboat U.S.S. Antelope. For his bravery in combat he was awarded the Bronze Star with combat V, the Navy Commendation Medal, and many other awards and decorations.
After receiving an honorable discharge from the Navy in late 1972, Ron worked at Hillman’s bakery in Fairfield, at the same time joining the Waterville call fire department. In December 1973, he married Barbara Currie (Blaisdell), and together they raised a family of four children. He worked at Hillman’s for eleven years and earned his Associate’s degree in fire science from Southern Maine Technical College before joining the fire department full-time in 1984. As a firefighter and rescue technician, Ron served the community with characteristic selflessness and dedication. He earned many awards and citations, including a Medal of Valor from the city for his actions at Blessed Sacrament Chapel on January 27, 1996, a commendation from the state legislature for delivering Robert Maxwell Freedom Clark on the morning of September 11, 2002, and the firefighter of the year award in 1992. He retired in 2003 after thirty years with the fire service.
In his retirement Ron and Barbara enjoyed the leisure they’d worked so hard to earn. They attended many NASCAR races in New Hampshire and Delaware with Ron’s uncle Norman and Aunt Anne, vacationed with friends in Myrtle Beach, and spent time in Florida with close friends Gary and Cindy Michaud. They also attended several of Ron’s patrol gunboat reunions, where he had the great joy of discovering that the bond he shared with his fellow sailors was undiminished by the years.
As a family man, civil servant, and sailor, Ron defined himself by the examples he set for others every day. Selfless to a fault, he was loved and admired by all who had the good fortune to know him. His death is a loss not only for his family and friends, but also the community and country he dedicated his life to serving.
Ron is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Barbara Currie; son Richard Currie and daughter-in-law Erica; daughter Nicole Gromek and son-in-law John; son Ronald Jr.; son Patrick Currie and daughter-in-law Jennifer; ten grandchildren: Sierra, Devon, Gage, Nathan, Jocelyn, Brea, Bryson, Amia, Matthew, and Camille; Uncle Norman and Aunt Anne Doyon; brothers and sisters Paula, Tod, Marc, Laurel, Lisa, and Fred; many nieces and nephews, and countless friends.
Funeral services will begin at 10 am, Saturday, December 15, at Central Fire Station in Waterville, and reconvene at Notre Dame Parish at 11 am. Reception will follow at the American Legion post on College Avenue; all are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Barbara Currie’s name at Maine State Credit Union on Elm Street; funds will be distributed to several charities of Ron’s choosing.
